McPhee managers restrict boating access points

The Dolores Water Conservancy District and Bureau of Reclamation are restricting access to several informal boat launching sites at McPhee Reservoir.

McPhee Reservoir managers expect big crowds this Memorial Day weekend at the lake remind boaters that the Dolores Water Conservancy District and Bureau of Reclamation are restricting access to several informal boat launching sites.

Vehicular access in the Sage Hen and on the Dolores Cemetery Road has been blocked because of the potential introduction of invasive mussel species from unauthorized launching of motorized and trailered boats at the reservoir.

Historically, boats have been launched from various shoreline areas around McPhee Reservoir, bypassing the two developed boat ramps with invasive-species inspection stations run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. All trailered boats must go through the inspection stations at McPhee and House Creek boat ramps during open hours. All boats should be cleaned, drained and dried after every launch.

Hiking, biking, horses and ATVs remain allowed along the McPhee shoreline, but barriers have been installed to prevent unauthorized boat launches. All exempt hand-launched watercraft (kayaks, belly boats, float tubes, canoes, windsurfer boards, inner tubes, rafts, sailboards and paddle boards) that do not require Colorado Parks and Wildlife Certified Aquatic Invasive Species inspections will still be allowed at the closed access points.